Zara Dar, a Texas-based YouTuber with an MS in Computer Science, quit her PhD to become an OnlyFans content creator. In an emotional LinkedIn video, she described her decision as stressful but empowering, criticizing corporate IT jobs as "thankless." Zara revealed earning over $1M, enabling her to pay a mortgage, buy a car, and plan for a house. She emphasized valuing autonomy over stability, stating her work now builds her legacy, not someone else’s. While some criticized her move, many applauded her courage. "This life I am building is a masterpiece in progress," Zara concluded optimistically.

Manu Bhaker, 22, voiced anguish after being excluded from the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna shortlist despite her historic Paris Olympics achievements. “I shouldn’t have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country. In fact, I shouldn’t have become a sportsperson,” she told her father, expressing deep disillusionment. Bhaker, who won two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol events, became the first Indian post-Independence to achieve this feat. Despite applying for the award, she was overlooked, sparking outrage among fans and experts. Many have urged the sports ministry to recognize her unparalleled contributions to Indian sports.

Two Delhi government departments have issued public notices cautioning citizens against "misleading schemes" linked to AAP. The Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) refuted the existence of the "Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana," warning against sharing personal details due to potential fraud. Similarly, the Health and Family Welfare Department dismissed claims of the "Sanjeevani Yojana," which allegedly offers free healthcare for seniors. The controversy has intensified the ongoing conflict between AAP and BJP ahead of Delhi Assembly polls, with BJP accusing AAP of deceit. Citizens are advised to verify schemes before sharing personal information.

The US has called on Bangladesh to protect minority Hindus following reports of violence and attacks on temples. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus, urging respect for all faiths and human rights. Advocacy groups report brutal incidents, including killings, assaults, and temple destruction. HinduAction criticised Yunus for failing to control extremists. Congressman Shri Thanedar asked the Biden administration to address these issues strongly. The White House promised accountability for protecting minorities. Sullivan reaffirmed US support for a democratic Bangladesh. The violence follows the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, with global concern growing.

Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, starting a Jubilee year for Catholics. Over 30 million pilgrims are expected in Rome. The ceremony included prayers and blessings, with bells ringing across the Vatican. Pilgrims passing through the Holy Door will receive forgiveness for sins. Rome has undergone extensive renovations for the event, including restored monuments and improved roads. Security is tight, with 700 officers deployed. The pope called for peace and reflected on the suffering caused by wars. The Jubilee, themed "Pilgrims of Hope," includes global events and aims to inspire spiritual renewal.

Armed men attacked a public hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, killing three people, including two journalists and a police officer. The shooting occurred during a briefing about the hospital's reopening. Several others were injured. The General Hospital had been recaptured in July after being destroyed by gangs. The attack was blamed on the Viv Ansanm gang. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. Haiti’s transitional government promised action against the attackers. Haiti continues to face severe gang violence, with 85% of the capital under gang control and 5,000 deaths reported this year. The situation remains critical.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a human trafficking racket involving Canadian colleges. Indians were reportedly lured and charged ₹55-60 lakh each to enter the US illegally via Canada. The probe began after a Gujarat family froze to death at the US-Canada border in 2022. ED raided locations in Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara, suspecting two entities of helping students obtain Canadian visas under false pretenses. Over 260 Canadian colleges are linked to the scam. Instead of attending classes, students crossed the border illegally. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the extent of the racket.

Fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir turned Christmas into a snowy delight for tourists. Himachal’s Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi districts saw heavy snow, closing 223 roads, including three highways. Temperatures dropped to minus 6.9°C in Lahaul and Spiti. In Kashmir, freezing temperatures hit water supply lines, with Gulmarg at minus 7.4°C. Delhi faced dense fog and rain, delaying trains and affecting flights. In Uttarakhand, heavy snow hit Badrinath and nearby areas. Rajasthan experienced rain and cold, with Dungarpur recording 5°C. Weather officials predict colder days ahead in the region.

Pakistani airstrikes on December 24 in Afghanistan’s Paktika province killed at least 15 people, including women and children. The attacks targeted seven villages, including Laman, where five members of a family died. The Taliban condemned the strikes, calling them an attack on sovereignty, and vowed to retaliate. Pakistan has not confirmed the airstrikes but claims they targeted Taliban hideouts near the border. The Taliban denies these claims, stating civilians, including Waziristani refugees, were the victims. Tensions between the two countries remain high due to accusations of harbouring militants and rising attacks by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).

The ICC has announced the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will start on February 19, with Pakistan playing New Zealand in Karachi. India’s league matches, including the big clash against Pakistan on February 23, will take place in Dubai. The final will also be held in Dubai if India qualifies; otherwise, it will be in Lahore. Matches will follow a hybrid model, split between Pakistan and the UAE. Group A features India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B includes Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. All games will start at 2:30 PM IST.